When it comes to protecting our teeth, fluoride plays a major role in helping to prevent tooth decay and strengthen enamel. You may have heard that some areas in the UK have fluoride added to their tap water – but is Great Missenden one of them?
Let’s dive into the facts about our local water supply and what that means for your dental health.
What Is Fluoride and Why Does It Matter?
Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that helps to protect teeth by:
- Strengthening tooth enamel
- Preventing cavities
- Reversing early signs of tooth decay
Because of these benefits, fluoride is added to toothpaste, mouthwashes, and in some parts of the UK – directly into the public water supply.
Does Great Missenden Have Fluoridated Water?
No, the water supply in Great Missenden, Buckinghamshire, is not fluoridated.
Water here contains only very low levels of naturally occurring fluoride (0.098 mg/l), typically well below 0.3 mg/litre, which is not enough to provide effective dental protection.
In fact, most of the South East, including much of Buckinghamshire, is not part of a water fluoridation scheme. Only a few regions in the UK—such as parts of Birmingham and Newcastle—have fluoride added to their water supply at the recommended level of 1.0 mg/litre.
What Does This Mean for Your Dental Health?
Since our local water doesn’t provide fluoride protection, it’s even more important for residents of Great Missenden to ensure they’re getting enough fluoride from other sources. Here’s how you can help protect your teeth:
Use Fluoride Toothpaste
- For children under 3: a smear of toothpaste with 1000 ppm fluoride
What is a smear of toothpaste:
- For everyone over 3: a pea-sized amount with 1350–1500 ppm fluoride
Don’t Rinse After Brushing
- Spit out excess toothpaste, but don’t rinse with water, this helps fluoride stay on your teeth longer.
Consider Fluoride Mouthwashes (at a different time of day to brushing) or Varnish
- Ask your dentist about additional fluoride treatments, like fluoride varnishes, especially for children or if you’re at higher risk of tooth decay.
How to Check Your Water Fluoride Level
If you’re curious about the exact fluoride levels in your tap water:
- Visit your local water supplier’s website (e.g. Affinity Water).
- Enter your postcode (e.g. HP16) into their water quality search tool.
- Look for the fluoride content, usually listed in mg/l (milligrams per litre).
Final Thoughts
Although Great Missenden’s water isn’t fluoridated, that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the benefits of fluoride. By brushing with fluoride toothpaste and discussing your needs with your dentist, you can still keep your smile strong and cavity-free.
For families with young children or individuals prone to tooth decay, it’s worth exploring additional fluoride options tailored to your needs.
Have more questions about fluoride or your family’s dental care? Schedule a check-up with your dentist at Village Dental Practice, they’ll help guide you to the right preventive steps. Call us today on 01494 862 081.